Saudi Film Festival ends with honors for best production, music, acting
Kingdom’s acclaimed wildlife documentary ‘Horizon’ and film ‘Hajjan’ win top awards
Updated 10 May 2024
Jasmine Bager
DHAHRAN: The red carpet was rolled out on the final night of the eight-day 10th Saudi Film Festival on Thursday with awards handed out for best production, music and acting.
The event, held at King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, had included masterclasses, workshops, book signings and networking opportunities.
The event was held at King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture. (Supplied)
The closing ceremony was a glamorous event, as presenters handed out the Golden Palm awards on stage.
Of the 76 films that were screened, 53 titles competed for 36 awards.
The closing ceremony was a glamorous event. (Supplied)
The acclaimed 2024 wildlife documentary “Horizon” won in its category. It was produced by the Konoz Initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Media’s Center for Government Communication and the National Center for Wildlife.
Ithra’s own award-winning “Hajjan,” about a young camel rider, won for best music, best actor for the young star Omar Alatawi, and best actress for Tulin Essam. The film also won the Jury Golden Palm.
Of the 76 films that were screened, 53 titles competed for 36 awards. (Supplied)
One of the big winners on the night was the documentary shown at the opening ceremony of the festival on May 2, “Underground,” about the music scene in Saudi Arabia.
The list of winners and the recorded stream are available on the Ithra website.
The difference between European and Gulf weddings — from a photographer’s point of view
Updated 4 sec ago
Hams Saleh
DUBAI: From her early career in northeast France to working across the Gulf and Europe, wedding photographer Maddy Christina has observed many contrasts between such events in different parts of the world.
Her early years as a photographer were defined by variety; she worked across fashion, family portraits and weddings simultaneously before recognizing how wedding photography brings multiple genres together in a single day.
Christina said weddings in the region required a shift in both perspective and technique. (Supplied)
“I actually fell into weddings by accident,” Christina told Arab News. “It blends every discipline at once — fashion for the couple session, sports for the reception, documentary work throughout the day, still life with details and jewelry.”
Christina’s connection to the Middle East began through Parisian clients who invited her to Dubai for a post-wedding session: “I instantly connected with the energy of the city,” she said.
Christina’s connection to the Middle East began through Parisian clients who invited her to Dubai for a post-wedding session. (Supplied)
A few years later, a wedding in Kuwait marked the start of her long-term relationship with the region.
Now working extensively across the Gulf Cooperation Council, Christina said weddings in the region required a shift in both perspective and technique.
For Christina, the most meaningful aspect extends beyond the wedding day itself. (Supplied)
“Working across the GCC has opened my mind in ways I didn’t expect,” she said, adding it felt like “resetting everything I thought I knew about weddings” — particularly compared to her experience in Europe.
She said there were clear distinctions between the two regions. “European weddings tend to be more demonstrative and expressive, while brides in the Gulf often place a deeper emphasis on tradition, family bonds and a sense of ceremony,” she said. “The emotional language is different, yet equally beautiful.”
From a technical standpoint, the contrast is just as pronounced: “In the south of France, I was used to shooting outdoors at sunset with couples already comfortable in front of the camera. Here, I often find myself in much smaller spaces, with no windows, artificial light and couples who may be more reserved.”
Christina is drawn to candid moments. (Supplied)
She added that adapting to these conditions pushed her to explore new ways of shaping light and expanded her creative approach.
While Christina is drawn to candid moments, like “guests laughing together, old friends reconnecting, a fleeting emotion passing across someone’s face,” posed pictures remain central to her work.
For Christina, the most meaningful aspect extends beyond the wedding day itself.
“It’s not the decor that makes a wedding unforgettable for me,” she said. “It’s the connection I build with the bride. That long-term bond is what feels truly magical.”
